Boot Monument facts for kids
The Boot Monument is a special memorial from the American Revolutionary War. It is located in Saratoga National Historical Park in New York. This monument honors Major General Benedict Arnold for his brave actions during the Battle of Saratoga. However, it does not mention his name.
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Why the Boot Monument Was Built
The Boot Monument was put up by John Watts de Peyster in 1887. He was a former Major General in the New York State Militia. De Peyster also wrote many books about military history, including the Battle of Saratoga. He wanted to remember Benedict Arnold's important help in the Continental Army's victory over the British.
Arnold's Injuries in Battle
Benedict Arnold was hurt several times during the war. He was first wounded in the foot during the Battle of Quebec. Later, his horse was shot from under him at the Battle of Ridgefield. His last injury happened at Saratoga, near where the monument stands today. This leg wound meant he could no longer fight as a soldier.
The monument's message honors Arnold as the "most brilliant soldier" of the Continental Army. It says he was badly wounded at this spot on October 7, 1777. This injury helped his country win the important Battle of the American Revolution. It also earned him the rank of Major General.
Why Arnold Is Not Named
After the Battle of Saratoga, Benedict Arnold felt that the Continental Congress treated him unfairly. He also disagreed with treaties that brought French military help to the Americans. Because of these feelings, Arnold started talking with British agents. In September 1780, he secretly changed sides.
Arnold's Attempt to Betray West Point
As part of his plan, Arnold tried to give the important American fort of West Point to the British. But his plan failed when Major John André was captured. Arnold then escaped to the British side. The British paid him £6,000 and made him a brigadier general in their army. For the rest of the war, Arnold led British groups that attacked American-controlled areas.
A Monument Without a Name
Because of his actions, Benedict Arnold is not named on the Boot Monument. The monument honors his bravery and sacrifice at Saratoga, but it does not mention his later betrayal. This is a way of remembering his good deeds without celebrating his later actions. It is like a special way of remembering only the positive part of his story.
- Randall, Willard Sterne. Benedict Arnold: Patriot and Traitor. Dorset Press, New York, 1990.
- Sneiderman, Barney. Warriors Seven: Seven American Commanders, Seven Battles, and the Irony of Command. Savas Beatie, New York, 2006.
